BUTLER: Last season: 25-9; lost to North Carolina in NCAA Tournament regional semifinals
Who's gone: F Andrew Chrabascz, G Avery Woodson, G Tyler Lewis.
Who's back: F Kelan Martin. After spending part of last season coming off the bench, Butler's top scorer (16.0 points) will become a full-fledged starter this season ' and one of the team's leaders. G Kamar Baldwin made a huge impression as a freshman after cracking the starting lineup. Look for the stronger sophomore to improve on his averages of 10.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in what could be a breakthrough season. F Tyler Wideman. The 6-foot-8 senior has been one of the team's most consistent rebounders and his final college season could prove to be his best yet. He averaged 7.2 points and 5.0 rebounds last season.
Who's new: G Paul Jorgensen. The former George Washington player could be next in a long line of transfers who have had an immediate impact in the Bulldogs' backcourt. He won't beat out Baldwin, but he could help solidify a young backcourt that needs experienced hands.
The Skinny: Butler may not be the same without Chrabascz and Lewis. But this seems to be the story almost every season, and the Bulldogs usually prove they can overcome the low preseason expectations. Don't be surprised if it happens again. Jordan begins his first season at his alma mater with plenty of talent, enough experience and a realistic shot of taking Butler to a fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

ARKANSAS: Last season: 26-10.
Who's gone: C Moses Kingsley, G Dusty Hannahs.
Who's back: G Jaylen Barford. The senior averaged 12.8 points per game last season and showed an uncanny ability to finish around the rim; G Daryl Macon. The leading returning scorer for the Razorbacks, Macon averaged 13.4 points per game last year and connected on 39 percent of his 3-pointers; G Anton Beard. A defensive stalwart for the Razorbacks and also averaged more than a steal per game last season.
Who's new: F Daniel Gafford. Much is expected of the talented 6-foot-11 freshman, who has shown an ability to finish with force at the rim in the preseason and averaged 17.4 points and 16 rebounds as a senior in high school; G Khalil Garland. Out with an undisclosed medical condition to start the season but expected back at some point and averaged 12.9 points per game as a senior in high school; F Darious Hall. Averaged 14.8 points and eight rebounds as a senior at Little Rock Mills, defeating Garland's prep team in the state championship game.
The Skinny: Arkansas has reached the NCAA Tournament in two of the last three seasons. It expects more of the same this year with Barford and Macon having returned after briefly entering the NBA draft after last season. Gafford's progress will be key for a team that must replace the 12 points, 7.7 rebounds and nearly three blocks per game from Kingsley.

PREVIEW

Arkansas faces history test in Butler

Arkansas coach Mike Anderson has many concerns about Butler, including its history.

"One thing about Butler, they've got tradition," Anderson said. 'They are used to playing in the tournament."

The seventh-seeded Razorbacks (23-11) face No. 10 seed Butler (20-13) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in the East Region on Friday at Detroit. Butler has made the NCAA Tournament 10 of the last 12 seasons, losing in the championship game in 2010 and 2011. After a six-year absence, Arkansas has made three of the last four NCAA Tournaments.

"Butler is the team that has multiple guys can handle the ball," Anderson said. "They open up the floor and they're a skilled team. You've got to try to speed them up, but they kind of want to be sped up. We have to make them uncomfortable. Our defense is going to have to be at an all-time high. You can't put them on the line."

Arkansas, which reached the semifinals of the SEC Tournament before losing to Tennessee, is averaging 81.1 points per game, slightly ahead of Butler's average of 79.1.

"Obviously we love the uptempo, Anderson said. "So for the fans you get two teams that like to score. I think the fans are the winners."

"Offensively they do a really good job of spacing the court, " Butler coach LaVall Jordan said. "They got two good players on the perimeter they could go for 30 points on any given night. They got a big shot blocker in the middle."

"I think we're one of the most difficult teams to prepare for," Barford said,

Arkansas relies on its intense defensive pressure.

"We have to make sure we respond and have a good plan for that," Jordan said.

Anderson said Butler has played well against pressure defenses.

"Stats say they only turn the ball over 11 times a game, "Anderson said. "(Butler point guard) Kamar Baldwin can go left or right. A couple of guys have 100-plus assists. The team is a blue-collar type team and the guard play is going to be crucial."

Butler senior forward Kelan Martin, who leads the Bulldogs with a 20.8 average, said the competitive Big East Conference schedule is good preparation for many styles.

"It will be similar to a Big East matchup, so it will be fun," Martin said.

The Big East has six teams in the NCAA field. The Bulldogs reached the semifinals of the conference tournament before losing to Villanova.

Jordan, a former Buler player in his first year as coach, has been impressed with Martin's leadership he gained through his experience.

"It's helped him and helped him help others," Jordan said. "That's the growth. You knew he could score and it's documented on the court his talent, but he's taking a lot of pride in passing on what others have passed on to him."

Martin needs nine points to reach 2,000 for his career.

Butler defeated Arkansas 37-21 in 1931 in Indianapolis in the only previous meeting.